After the devastating death of his father the family had to leave the farm and move to Lakefield. Leroy was 6 years old and life as he knew it would never be the same again.
He was a mischievous youth at times, and was also involved in Boy Scouts and sports. Cars, initially race cars, became a lifelong hobby after spending much time in his mentor Loren’s garage.
His Confirmation into the Lutheran faith occurred May 18, 1952.
In 1952, the family moved to Worthington, Minnesota.
Leroy’s sister Lois introduced him to Glorrian Korgel. They were married October 23, 1958 in Worthington, Minnesota.
At this time he worked for the Minnesota Highway Department.
He first became a dad on June 16, 1959 to his precious daughter Tamara.
His second daughter Ellie was born September 15, 1960.
The young family moved to Seattle in 1963, where he was employed by the Washington State Highway department.
His only son Tim was born March 24, 1964.
While raising his young family one hobby included growing beautiful roses and taking his family to garden shows.
He also enjoyed building and flying model airplanes and encouraged his young daughters to fly them as well.
In addition, during this period he attended college classes in the evening and obtained his Professional Civil Engineer license.
It was also during this time that he starting demonstrating his excellent carpentry skills, first adding a major addition onto the house, in addition to a detached garage.
In the mid-1970s he developed a passion for restoring antique cars especially Model As. He became proficient in their restoration and repairs and was known for his skillful rebuilt water pumps. His hobby of Model As also included club memberships and attending numerous events, tours, and meets throughout the US. His son Tim and his family joined in on his passion.
A move to Kenmore occurred in 1977, partially so he could build a large shop for his Model A storage and restoration
He retired from the Washington Department of Transportation (Washington State Highway Department) in 1992 where he specialized in designing Park and Rides.
Leroy and Glorrian owned and operated The Model A Shop from the early 1990s until 2002 when they sold the business.
In 2017, he became a resident at Bethany Lutheran Home in Everett, a place he chose to spend his final years, and where he received excellent care.
Leroy passed away July 29, 2019.
He is survived by his wife Glorrian, daughter Tamara, daughter Ellie (son in law Bryan), son Tim (daughter in law Bonnie), Grandchildren Jesse (Jenny), Travis (Laurilee), Maryke (Ben) and Cory (Jenny), and Great grandchildren Nathan, Bethany, Addison, Heather and Kaia.
Survivors also include his brother Richard and his sisters Marlene, Lois and Kristal.
He was preceded in death by his sister Irene, his father and dearest mother.
Leroy will return to his beloved Lakefield where his ashes will be released into Heron Lake later this year.
Remembrance donations can be made in Leroy’s name to American Diabetes Association or Model A Ford Foundation Inc.
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